Dr. Paul Williams wrote:
> Hi Folks,
>
> In continuing to contemplate the build of the 49 Carpenter I am curious
> as to where one might find 26 X 1 1/4" v32 and 40 intage British rims -
> other than ebay where they don't seem all that common? Or what about
> modern alternatives? Could another rim size be used on a bikes specked
> for 26" wheels or does it bugger up mudguard clearance?
>
>
The loss of the 26 x 1 1/4 size from general availability is sad as IMO
it did fill a gap in sizing and was a popular sporting tire size in
England at least into the early '60's.
The next readily available size larger is 700c which is 25 mm (622mm vs 597mm) larger in diameter or in English it equates to a 1/2" less mudguard clearance assuming similar sized tyres. Another thing to consider is the 1/2 inch reduction in required brake reach. The advantage to this size is the large number of tires and rims available.
Going the other way brings you to the 590mm rim or 26 x 1 3/8 (650a) AFAIK the only currently produced alloy rim in this size is the Sun CR18 and I don't know about available drillings. An advantage to this size is that likely the brake calipers will reach the 3.5mm difference. While there are many tires available in this size most are utilitarian, for sporting tires in this size, I hear there are some available in Japan or there is the alternative of some sporting wheelchair tires in the size.
Further down in size is the 650b (584mm) which is a little further stretch in brakes, but there is a bit of a niche resurgence in this size with I think at least Sun and Velocity making rims and several sporting tires available but AFAIK only in wider sizes (~32mm to 38mm or so).
HTH,
Marcus Coles
London, Ontario, Canada.